Michael Owen states prediction for Liverpool v Man United

Michael Owen is backing Liverpool to take a big step towards the Europa League quarter-finals by beating Manchester United at Anfield in Thursday’s showdown.

The Reds head into the game after coming from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Liverpool have now turned their attentions towards preparing for their Anfield showdown against their bitter local rivals on Merseyside this week.

And former Liverpool and United striker Owen is expecting to see Jurgen Klopp’s men take a first-leg lead into the return match at Old Trafford next week.

Writing in his column for Bet Victor, Owen said: “The clubs are meeting for the first time in European competition and it is the first all-English clash in the Uefa Cup or Europa League since Liverpool v Spurs back in 1973.

“Liverpool have lost their last four matches against United but I expect them to buck that trend at Anfield on Thursday and expect to see Jurgen Klopp’s side take a lead into next week’s second leg at Old Trafford.”

Sunday’s win over Palace left Liverpool seventh in the Premier League table and just three points behind United with a game in hand.

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The Red Devils had Juan Mata sent off as they lost 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Sunday to dent their top-four hopes.